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    Home » Recipes » Course

    Summer Tortellini Salad with Arugula

    Published: Jun 1, 2021 · Modified: Apr 10, 2022 by Katie · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a comment.

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    Summer Tortellini Salad is a quick and easy pasta salad side dish for your next gathering! This delicious tortellini pasta salad is packed with chopped cherry tomatoes, fresh arugula, parmesan cheese and is tossed with a light vinaigrette.

    Summer tortellini salad in a large bowl, shredded parmesan cheese is sprinkled around the bowl. Extra ingredients are in the top left corner.

    Summer Tortellini Salad with Arugula has the perfect balance of cheese, pasta and veggies. This salad can be enjoyed anytime of the year, however, I think it is particularly perfect for summer days at the park, on the boat or at the beach.

    A pasta salad is the classic side dish that shows up at every BBQ, backyard party and birthday party. The next time you're assigned to make the pasta salad, skip the mayonnaise based macaroni salad and try something new!

    My Summer Tortellini Salad recipe is full of light, fresh ingredients. It's still satisfying and filling though thanks to the cheesy tortellini.

    This tortellini salad recipe would go really well with my Grilled Chicken Caprese Sandwich!

    Another delicious, mayo free pasta salad you need to try is my Pesto Pasta Salad with Sundried Tomatoes.

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients needed
    • Step-by-step instructions
    • Expert tips
    • Variations
    • Substitutions
    • Storage
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • It can be made in under 20 minutes. This means less time is spent inside in the kitchen!
    • This recipe does not contain any mayonnaise, therefore no worries about food spoiling on a hot day!
    • The salad stores easily and actually tastes better a couple hours after it is made. Simply pop it into some Tupperware and throw it in a cooler with an ice pack!

    Ingredients needed

    Image of tortellini salad ingredients. Ingredients include fresh parsley, parmesan cheese, tortellini, red onion, cherry tomatoes and arugula. All ingredients are displayed in either original packaging or in bowls.
    Ingredients
    • Tortellini
    • Arugula
    • Parmesan cheese
    • Cherry tomatoes
    • Red onion
    • Fresh Parsley

    You'll also need the following list of ingredients to make the vinaigrette. These are not pictured above. Luckily, they are all pantry and refrigerator staples!

    • Olive oil
    • Rice vinegar
    • Lemon juice
    • Garlic powder, dried oregano, salt & pepper

    Step-by-step instructions

    This is a quick and easy salad recipe with only a few short steps!

    Step 1: Cook tortellini according to package instructions. One of the (many) reasons I love using tortellini is because it only takes about 4 minutes to cook once your water is boiling! Take note that I use the family size package of tortellini for this recipe which is 20 ounces. After the tortellini has finished cooking, drain the pasta water and set the cooked tortellini aside.

    Step 2: While the tortellini is cooking, mix together the ingredients for the vinaigrette. Add all vinaigrette ingredients to a small mixing bowl and whisk together until fully combined.

    Vinaigrette ingredients whisked together in a medium sized mixing bowl.
    Vinaigrette

    Step 3: Add the tortellini, parsley, cherry tomatoes, red onion, arugula and the parmesan cheese to a large mixing bowl. Toss to combine. Pour the vinaigrette over the tortellini, vegetable and cheese mixture and mix until thoroughly combined. You can enjoy this salad immediately or let it chill in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

    All ingredients for the Summer Tortellini Salad mixed together in a medium sized mixing bowl.
    Tortellini salad

    Expert tips

    • If you're short on time, you can make your pasta in advance. Cook the tortellini the day or night before you will be making your salad.
    • You could make the vinaigrette ahead of time too!
    • Cook your tortellini according to package instructions. You know tortellini is done when it floats to the top of the boiling water. This usually happens in under 5 minutes! Keep a close eye on the tortellini and don't let it overcook. Tortellini can start to fall apart if it's overcooked.
    • As soon as the tortellini has finished cooking, drain the boiling water and rinse the tortellini with cold water.
    • I've only tested this recipe with fresh tortellini. I've never tried it with frozen or dried tortellini.

    Variations

    • Tortellini - This is a bright and colorful salad. If you would like even more color, try making this with multicolored tortellini!
    • Add protein - If you would like to add some protein to this pasta salad recipe, try adding in grilled chicken, grilled shrimp or cannellini beans!
    • Vinaigrette - Try switching up your vinaigrette. You could try a fresh basil pesto vinaigrette, Italian dressing or a balsamic dressing.
    • Cheese - In addition to, or in place of parmesan cheese, you could add in fresh mozzarella balls or feta cheese.

    Substitutions

    • Greens - If arugula is too peppery for you, try spinach instead.
    • Veggies - Substitute out the cherry tomatoes for red bell pepper.
    • Herbs - Swap out fresh parsley for fresh basil. Parsley and basil are distinctly different in flavor. However, if you don't have fresh parsley, then fresh basil would be a delicious substitution.

    Storage

    Summer Tortellini Salad will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan on serving it at a party though, I would only make it up to 24 hours in advance. Store leftovers in the fridge in a sealed container.

    This pasta salad recipe will not freeze well.

    Print

    📖 Recipe

    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Summer tortellini salad in a large bowl, shredded parmesan cheese is sprinkled around the bowl. Extra ingredients are in the top left corner.

    Summer Tortellini Salad with Arugula

    ★★★★★

    5 from 20 reviews

    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Summer Tortellini Salad is a quick and easy pasta salad side dish for your next gathering! This delicious tortellini pasta salad is packed with chopped cherry tomatoes, fresh arugula, parmesan cheese and is tossed with a light vinaigrette. 

    • Total Time: 15 minutes
    • Yield: 6 servings 1x

    Ingredients

    Scale

    Vinaigrette

    • 5 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • Juice of half a lemon
    • ¾ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder

    Remaining Salad Ingredients

    • 20 ounces cheese tortellini (family sized package)
    • 1 pint cherry tomatoes - halved
    • ¼ cup diced red onion 
    • ¼ cup diced fresh parsley 
    • 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese 
    • Fresh arugula - 1 large handful

    Instructions

    1. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain the cooked tortellini, rinse with cold water and set aside.
    2. While the tortellini is cooking, make the vinaigrette. Add all of the vinaigrette ingredients (olive oil, rice vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper, oregano & garlic powder) to a small mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
    3. Add the remaining salad ingredients to a large mixing bowl (cooked tortellini, cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh parsley, parmesan cheese & arugula) and toss to combine.
    4. Pour the vinaigrette over the tortellini, parmesan cheese and veggies and stir all ingredients together.
    5. Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    • You can store this salad in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    • Author: Katie
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Category: side dish, lunch
    • Cuisine: American
    • Diet: Vegetarian

    Keywords: summer tortellini salad, tortellini salad

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tara

      June 01, 2021 at 5:38 pm

      Ooooh, arugula is a favorite of mine. These flavors sound absolutely amazing and perfect for pairing with the tortellini. Yum!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    2. Jac

      June 01, 2021 at 5:46 pm

      Wow such an inventive salad. I love this idea. Much more exciting that just pasta salad. Thanks for the great recipe 🙂

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    3. Anjali

      June 01, 2021 at 6:25 pm

      This salad was so refreshing but also really filling and satisfying! It's like a twist on a traditional pasta salad and is so perfect for summer!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. Biana

      June 01, 2021 at 8:23 pm

      This salad looks so quick to make, and so delicious! A perfect quick summer dinner.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    5. veenaazmanov

      June 01, 2021 at 10:27 pm

      Perfect Salad option for a light Dinner. Love the Tangy and tempting Salad dressing too. Healthy and crunchy combinations makes this perfect

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Gloria

      June 02, 2021 at 8:53 am

      The summer weather is finally here. You can never have too many salads for bbq parties. This looks so delicious. I l know my guests would love it.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    7. Kasey

      June 02, 2021 at 10:13 am

      The flavors of the vinaigrette compliment the tortellini and other ingredients so nicely. Made for the perfect side to grilled chicken. Thank you for the recipe!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    8. Ramona Sebastian

      June 02, 2021 at 10:34 am

      This pasta salad looks amazing and it is such a wonderful idea. I’m making it this Saturday for my friends, I cannot wait! Thanks for the inspo.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    9. William Wagner

      June 02, 2021 at 8:08 pm

      Can't wait to make this to accompany some burgers. The perfect side dish. Thanks!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    10. Toni

      June 03, 2021 at 8:33 am

      This is so amazing! Everyone at my house loved this salad! Yummy!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    11. Anaiah

      June 03, 2021 at 10:35 pm

      This looks amazing. Can't wait to try it!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    12. Teresa

      June 03, 2021 at 10:36 pm

      This look fabulous!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    13. Emily Flint

      June 03, 2021 at 11:07 pm

      This salad sounds awesome and I can't wait to make it! I

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    14. Amanda

      June 04, 2021 at 12:18 am

      I can never resist tortellini! Cheesy pasta is my weakness. Will definitely make all summer long!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    15. Elizabeth Flight

      June 04, 2021 at 8:51 am

      Great recipe! Will definitely be making again!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    16. Oscar

      June 04, 2021 at 9:12 am

      Loved this recipe. Perfect for a summer picnic.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    17. Raquel

      June 04, 2021 at 10:02 am

      This is such a nice light salad! Very tasty too!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    18. Nora

      June 04, 2021 at 3:22 pm

      I've never made a tortellini salad before, but now I have to try! Thanks for sharing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    19. Jeri

      June 04, 2021 at 6:31 pm

      I love tortellini and I love finding new recipes to use it in, but I never thought of a salad! This looks delicious! I will definitely be making it soon!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    20. Addie

      June 04, 2021 at 10:45 pm

      This is perfect for summer BBQs! Yum!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    21. Pam Fox

      March 31, 2022 at 11:37 am

      Looks and sounds delish! I haven't tried it yet, but if you make the vinaigrette in the big bowl and add the rest of the salad ingredients you save yourself a bowl to clean!

      Reply
      • Katie

        March 31, 2022 at 4:02 pm

        That's such a great idea! I'm a fan of any and all tips that save me from washing extra dishes!

        Reply

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    I’m Katie, the food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer at Sugar & Snap Peas. I specialize in easy, budget friendly, family recipes. My goal is to help you take the stress out of cooking and provide you with simple, creative recipes.

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